EU to allocate another €3.3 billion to Ukraine for missiles and drones – von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the European Union will provide Ukraine with an additional €3.3 billion to purchase missiles and drones and is preparing to launch a new programme of joint defence projects.
Source: statement by von der Leyen following a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Details: Von der Leyen stated that the funds for purchasing weapons will be provided to Ukraine on Friday 18 September.
She also said that the EU is ready to use the remaining funds from the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism to launch a new programme of joint defence projects between the EU and Ukraine. The initiative is intended to combine Ukraine's battlefield experience with Europe's industrial capacity.
Quote: "Last week, we approved EU funding for Patriot systems through our Ukraine Support Loan. But clearly more is needed.
This is why I announced that we were ready to use remaining funds from SAFE to launch a new programme for joint EU-Ukraine defence projects. We want to develop together a European air and missile defence system, building on our joint anti-ballistic Freya system. So that we can combine Ukraine's battlefield experience and innovation with Europe's technology and industrial strength."
Background:
- On the evening of 17 September, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with von der Leyen about defence support for Ukraine.
- In her annual address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen announced the creation of a European Security Council with Ukraine's participation. She also promised Ukraine Patriot missiles and a joint EU system based on Freya.
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